IU and Byun Woo-seok share a kiss as '21st Century Grand Duchess' draws 9% viewership, securing the top spot

*This content was translated by AI.

In '21st Century Grand Duchess', IU and Byun Woo-seok ignited a romance with a sweet kiss.

The third episode of the MBC Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' (script by Yoo Ji-won, directed by Park Jun-hwa, produced by Bae Hee-young), which aired on the 17th, recorded a national viewership rating of 9% (based on Nielsen Korea). This marks a slight decline from the previous episode's 9.5%. With 9.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 4.6% among viewers aged 20 to 54, the episode ranked first among all programs broadcast on Friday.

In that day's episode, Prince Lee An, who agreed to a contract marriage at the suggestion of Seong Hee-ju, publicly held hands with Seong Hee-ju and entered the palace together, immediately acknowledging their relationship after a scandal broke. Although Grand Dowager Yoon I-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon) refused to approve their marriage, claiming it harmed the Chu Mun-eu-ro (왕) hall, Seong Hee-ju and Prince Lee An remained undeterred and resolved to proceed with their marriage as planned.

Consequently, to deceive the public, Seong Hee-ju and Prince Lee An acted naturally as inseparable lovers, showcasing their perfect chemistry. Thanks to their performances, rumors about the two spread uncontrollably. Given the speculation of a romance with a royal family member beloved by the people, Seong Hee-ju endured malicious comments and egg-throwing attacks throughout the day. To make matters worse, her father, Seong Hyun-guk (played by Jo Seung-yeon), instead of worrying about his daughter, poured out criticism, leaving Seong Hee-ju feeling bitter.

Prince Lee An soothed Seong Hee-ju's pain and even confronted Grand Dowager Yoon I-rang, who had attempted to pin the blame for the Tandil-yeon fire accident on her. Witnessing this scene, palace servants spread word about the relationship between Seong Hee-ju and Prince Lee An, causing Yoon I-rang's plan to tarnish Seong Hee-ju and her company to fail.

Matching Prince Lee An's portrayal of the Crown Prince's 100% deviation due to love, Seong Hee-ju carefully cared for Prince Lee An, who stayed up all night due to accumulated official duties, creating a heartwarming atmosphere. Late at night, when Seong Hee-ju attempted a secret outing, she successfully supported him by offering tea and nutritional supplements to help him sleep, who was suffering from insomnia.

Prince Lee An gently stroked the cheek of Seong Hee-ju, who smiled proudly, and softly kissed her, sending a thrill through viewers. With flower petals fluttering above the two, amplifying the romantic atmosphere, the path of romance for 'Daegunssu' Seong Hee-ju and Prince Lee An, who have now moved from scandal to a kiss, is expected to continue with even greater anticipation.

Meanwhile, the fourth episode of '21st Century Grand Duchess' will air at 9:50 p.m. on the 18th.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.